MRSA Super-bug; Our Pets Carry an Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The so-called “super bug” bacteria, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a growing problem in the medical profession where common contact can spread the antibiotic-resistant infection from doctor to patient.

But are our dogs and cats also capable of carrying and spreading this bacteria? To find out, researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine are recruiting 750 pet owners to determine if the bacteria routinely exists on our pets.

The bacteria, MRSA, has become prominent in the news because it is resistant to many antibiotics, and has been linked to skin infections, abscesses, joint infections, and death. It is dangerous because common antibiotics like oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin don’t work against it. This forces physicians to use stronger, more expensive, or second- or third-choice medicines that may be less effective or have more side effects.

MRSA bacteria often lives on the skin of healthy people causing little more than an occasional boil or pimple or no symptoms at all. It becomes dangerous when the bacteria enters the body via a cut or puncture where it can produce a serious infection that does not readily respond to antibiotics.

Human Immune System

It is particularly dangerous in healthcare settings where patients usually have weakened immune systems. Surgical procedures, dialysis treatment, or common tests that puncture the skin can introduce MRSA bacteria into the body where it can cause life-threatening problems, such as bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, or pneumonia.

While MRSA transmissions are known to occur in prison populations, sports teams, and the military, they seem to be most prevalent in healthcare areas. According to Center for Disease Control data, the proportion of infections that are antimicrobial resistant has been growing. In 1974, MRSA infections accounted for two percent of the total number of staphylococcal infections; in 1995 it was 22 percent; in 2004 it was some 63 percent.

Staphylococcal bacteria are commonly found on human skin and in the nasal passages, but less so in animals. Nonetheless, last year the federal Centers for Disease Control started looking to determine if dogs and cats are a potential carrier of MRSA bacteria and if there is a disease-transfer connection. Specifically, scientists wonder if humans are giving the bacteria to pets, pets are giving it to humans, or if the staphylococcal bacteria is cycling constantly among humans and their pets.

Early data indicates that there is a growing problem in the veterinary world. Veterinarians have reported cases of MRSA infection among dogs who have had surgery such as limb amputation. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections have been found among horses, and outbreaks have occurred in equine hospitals.

Like with people, bacteria on pets may have grown resistant to antibiotics as modern veterinary medicine routinely uses modern pharmaceuticals to save animals who would have died a quarter century ago.

A research study is being headed by Stephanie Kottler, DVM, a resident veterinarian at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Co-investigators are Leah Cohn DVM, PhD, associate professor in small animal internal medicine; John Middleton, DVM, PhD, assistant professor of food animal internal medicine; and J. Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, assistant professor at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College, Canada.

Because prior studies have shown that there is a higher prevalence of MRSA bacteria colonization among healthcare workers, the study will evaluate 750 pets and their

All Pets Can Get MRSA

How Does NutraSilver Compare to Traditional Antibiotic MRSA Disease Treatments?

Unlike antibiotics, NutraSilver kills viruses, bacteria and fungal infections. There are no known side effects using NutraSilver other than taking too much too fast (healing crisis). None of the traditional side effects of using traditional antibiotics exists using NutraSilver. NutraSilver® can be a safe, effective and comfortable experience eliminating MRSA from the body without allergic reactions or any other life-threatening side effects known to exist using current antibiotics therapies.

Pets and Owners Love NutraSilver

Julie_O Sacramento, Ca May, 2010

I use NutraSilver on all of my pets to clear up eye and ear infections. My Chihuahua Miguel has a recurring problem with his left eye. It gets red and runny, then the lower lid swells, and if not treated, becomes pussy. The lymph node on that side of his neck also gets very swollen. I have taken him to the vet for this a few times. They prescribe antibiotics, but it is not as effective or safe as NutraSilver. I put one drop in his eye every morning and also give him a couple drops orally. It is a miracle and saves me from ongoing expensive vet bills.

“Results of the study will help define whether pets in households with healthcare workers are a more likely to serve as reservoirs for community-acquired MRSA,” Dr. Kottler said.

The study is being funded by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation, the MU Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, and Drs. Middleton and Cohn. Results will be submitted to human and veterinary peer-reviewed scientific journals.